March 1, 2026
Ghana Plantain Chips Vendors Protest Harmful Frying Rumors
Accra, Ghana – Sellers from Awoshie BaaYard gathered at Angel FM today, insisting they fry only with palm oil and plantains after radio hosts like Oheneni Adazoa shared listener stories of rubber or plastic additives for crispier texture. Health officials, including Florence Kuukyi, confirmed some vendors add plastic sachets and warned of legal action, while a video of unhygienic frying practices added fuel. Protests highlight tensions in Ghana’s street food culture, with calls now for FDA inspections amid divided views on safety and tradition.
However, a video showing a vendor frying plantain chips with a purple plastic strainer in hot oil, contradicting claims of avoiding “rubber” to prevent chemical contamination. The video frames depict an outdoor setup with traditional tools, but the plastic utensil risks melting and leaching toxins like phthalates into food, as noted in public health warnings from Lagos in 2024. Ghana’s FDA debunked myths of adding plastic bags to oil in 2021, yet replies highlight ongoing consumer distrust, with many shifting to home cooking due to health fears and price hikes from 2gh to 5gh per serving.
